Portsmouth City Council is taking the first step toward bringing back a tool designed to help the city turn empty or underused property into jobs, businesses, and tax revenue.
At Monday’s meeting, council will give a first reading to legislation that would create the Portsmouth Community Improvement Corporation (PCIC)—a group that would act as the city’s official partner for economic development.
Most legislation requires three readings before a final vote.
What is a CIC?
A Community Improvement Corporation, often called a CIC, is a nonprofit organization that works alongside a city—but with more flexibility than government typically has.
In simple terms, it allows the city to:
- Work more directly with developers
- Buy, sell, or manage property more efficiently
- Accept private funding or donations for projects
- Move development deals forward faster
Many cities across Ohio already use CICs as their main economic development tool.
Why Portsmouth wants one
According to the ordinance, Portsmouth actually created a CIC back in 2017—but its registration with the state has since lapsed.
Now, city leaders say they need it again.
The timing isn’t random.
The city is currently working with developers interested in turning city-owned properties into active projects—which could mean new businesses, housing, or commercial space.
Right now, those properties don’t generate tax revenue. But if they’re developed, they would go back onto the tax rolls and start bringing money into the city.
A faster way to get projects done
One of the biggest reasons for creating the PCIC is speed and flexibility.
Government processes can be slow and heavily regulated. A CIC, while still connected to the city, can operate more like a business—allowing deals to move forward more efficiently.
The ordinance also notes the possibility of private donations to support development efforts, something that can be harder to manage through traditional city channels.
Focus on jobs and growth
City leaders say the goal is straightforward: encourage development and create jobs.
The legislation specifically points to:
- Commercial and industrial development
- Economic and civic projects
- Research and business growth opportunities
Officials say the measure is “urgently required” to keep current development efforts moving and avoid losing potential opportunities.
What happens next
Monday’s meeting is just the first step.
Council will need to approve the measure after three readings before the PCIC can officially be established.
If approved, the ordinance would:
- Formally create the PCIC
- Designate it as the city’s economic development agency
- Allow the city to enter into an agreement with the organization
- Appoint a board to oversee its operations
The bottom line
If council moves forward, the PCIC would give Portsmouth a more flexible way to turn unused properties into productive spaces—aiming to bring in new investment, create jobs, and grow the local economy.
A Regional Shift in How Development Gets Done
Portsmouth isn’t alone in rethinking how economic development should work. At the county level, leaders are also moving toward a nonprofit model. The newly formed Scioto County Economic Development Corporation is currently searching for an executive director to lead efforts countywide. Like a CIC, the nonprofit structure is designed to give more flexibility than traditional government, while also emphasizing transparency and accountability in the wake of recent corruption scandals. Together, the city and county appear to be moving in the same direction—using independent, nonprofit organizations to handle development deals, attract investment, and rebuild trust with the public.